Chemical Danger of a New Mattress
A new mattress could be the solution to curing your aching back, but a new mattress can expose to you to chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which can cause short-term and long-term health issues. Does this Spark an idea?
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Chemicals
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New mattresses are treated with fire retardant chemicals and with others that will repel stains and waters. These chemicals can release VOCs, including formaldehyde.
Solutions
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Airing out a new mattress in a well-ventilated area can reduce your exposure to VOCs. Wrapping a new mattress in a tightly woven barrier pad of cotton or wool can help reduce your exposure to chemicals.
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Considerations
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Organic mattresses made without potentially dangerous chemicals are available, but they are more expensive than traditional mattresses, according the book "Do One Green Thing."
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